The Secularization of the Church: Causes and Theological Remedies Cover Image

Sekularizacija Crkve: Uzroci i teološka rješenja
The Secularization of the Church: Causes and Theological Remedies

Author(s): Daniel G. Oprean
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History of Church(es), Politics and religion, Sociology of Religion, Politics and Identity
Published by: Biblijski institut
Keywords: secularisation; theology; education; formation; spirituality;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to explore a few factors that contribute to the tendency towards secularization in the evangelical churches in Central and Eastern Europe. It further suggests theological remedies to address the causes of secularization. The thesis of this article is that there are three causes for the tendency towards secularization. First is the secularization of theological education, second is the crisis of ecclesial identity, and third is the secularization of leadership. The first proposal of this article is that the remedy for the secularization of theological education is redefining theology as communion, theological education as transformation, and theological formation as discipleship. Second, the remedy for the crisis of ecclesial identity that leads to negative identity markers is the replacement of the external conformation model of Christian life (which leads to social isolation, subculturality, and spiritual abuse) with the internal transformation model, which leads to a healthy spirituality and a meaningful theology of mission. Third and finally, the remedy for the secularization of leadership is the rediscovery of the kenotic model of Christian life and ministry.

  • Issue Year: 14/2020
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 7-18
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Croatian
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